77 Rules for a Young Man
A Biblical Guide to Manhood
I. Seek God First
Against Pride
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10
Fear God above all else. (Proverbs 9:10; Matthew 10:28)
Seek first the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33)
Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30)
Walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Let Christ be formed in you. (Galatians 4:19)
Delight yourself in the Lord. (Psalm 37:4)
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Meditate on God’s Word day and night. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2)
Hide God’s Word in your heart. (Psalm 119:11)
Worship the Lord with reverence and joy. (Psalm 95:1–7; John 4:23–24)
II. Build Godly Character
Against Pride and Wrath
“Above all else, guard your heart.” — Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)
Be quick to listen and slow to speak. (James 1:19)
Let your words give grace. (Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 15:1)
Speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 12:22)
Keep your promises. (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5; Matthew 5:37)
Welcome correction. (Proverbs 12:1; Proverbs 15:31–32)
Confess your sins and repent quickly. (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13)
Clothe yourself with humility. (1 Peter 5:5–6; Proverbs 15:33)
Exercise self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23; Proverbs 25:28)
Be slow to anger. (Proverbs 14:29; James 1:19–20)
Number your days that you may gain wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
III. Master Your Desires
Against Lust and Gluttony
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into.” — Proverbs 25:28
Rule your appetites. (Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 9:27)
Flee sexual immorality. (1 Corinthians 6:18–20)
Make a covenant with your eyes. (Job 31:1)
Think on whatever is pure. (Philippians 4:8)
Treat younger women as sisters, in absolute purity. (1 Timothy 5:2)
Love your wife as Christ loved the Church. (Ephesians 5:25–33)
Honor marriage. (Hebrews 13:4)
Fast to humble yourself before God. (Matthew 6:16–18; Isaiah 58:6–11)
Do not let pleasure become your master. (Titus 2:11–12; Proverbs 21:17)
Discipline your body. (1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Timothy 4:8)
Rest in God’s provision. (Exodus 20:8–11; Matthew 11:28–30)
IV. Work with Excellence
Against Sloth
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23
Work as unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:23–24)
Be diligent. (Proverbs 6:6–11; Proverbs 10:4)
Finish what you begin. (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Luke 14:28–30)
Grow in wisdom and knowledge. (Proverbs 1:5; 2 Peter 3:18)
Develop your gifts faithfully. (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Peter 4:10)
Be dependable. (Luke 16:10; Proverbs 20:6)
Be prepared before opportunity comes. (Proverbs 21:5)
Steward what God has entrusted to you. (Matthew 25:14–30)
Leave things better than you found them. (Genesis 2:15; Titus 3:14)
Finish the race faithfully. (2 Timothy 4:7–8)
V. Steward Wealth Wisely
Against Greed
“Honor the LORD with your wealth.” — Proverbs 3:9
Love people more than money. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Live beneath your means. (Proverbs 21:20)
Save wisely. (Proverbs 6:6–8; Proverbs 21:20)
Give generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6–8; Acts 20:35)
Pay what you owe. (Romans 13:7–8; Psalm 37:21)
Reject dishonest gain. (Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 16:11)
Learn contentment. (Philippians 4:11–13; Hebrews 13:5)
Store treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:19–21)
Remember everything belongs to God. (Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8)
VI. Love Others Well
Against Envy and Wrath
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:31
Honor your father and mother. (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1–3)
Lead your family with sacrificial love. (Ephesians 5:25; Joshua 24:15)
Walk with wise friends. (Proverbs 13:20)
Rejoice in another person’s success. (Romans 12:15)
Forgive as Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31–32; Colossians 3:13)
Bless those who persecute you. (Luke 6:27–28; Romans 12:14)
Pursue peace. (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14)
Encourage the discouraged. (1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 10:24–25)
Comfort those who mourn. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Romans 12:15)
Defend the weak. (Proverbs 31:8–9; Isaiah 1:17)
Care for widows, orphans, and strangers. (James 1:27; Deuteronomy 10:18–19)
Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. (Micah 6:8)
VII. Finish Well
Against Fear
“Be faithful unto death.” — Revelation 2:10
Be strong and courageous. (Joshua 1:9; 1 Corinthians 16:13)
Put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10–18)
Resist the devil. (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9)
Stand firm in the faith. (1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:13)
Test everything by Scripture. (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Be holy in all your conduct. (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15–16)
Let your light shine before others. (Matthew 5:14–16)
Become a servant before becoming a leader. (Mark 10:42–45; Philippians 2:3–8)
Make disciples. (Matthew 28:19–20)
Fight the good fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12)
Fix your eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1–2)
Live each day expecting His return. (Matthew 24:42–44; Titus 2:13)
Be conformed to the image of Christ until the end. (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15; 1 John 3:2)
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” — Matthew 6:33